TOPIC: Last One To Know?

You're not alone. It seems like my left hand is starting to get the hang of fretting the correct strings - but my right hand is all over the place. Where I run into the most trouble is when I have to pick (keeping my pinky anchored) then strum (can't do this with the pinky anchored) and then I wind up out of position and miss the correct string alot. I am going to try this thing about concentrating on keeping the pick above the string I'm after. Maybe that will work!!!!

Playing the G scale starting on the third fret 6th string using an open pattern scale and ending on the third fret 1st string has really helped me with my picking hand. I play it every time I pick up my gitty-up...before I practice and ending a practice (I can play it a lot easier and faster than I used to for whatever it's worth). I'll have to say it helps to improve my picking hand. I'm starting to work on the other scales, mainly A, E, D, and C but, the G scale really has me motivated:woohoo:

As should have been clear from my debacle last week with I'll Fly Away during class, I have similar issues with getting out of position when I'm playing a song, especially one with chords as well. Plus, I also get nervous and that makes me do all kinds of things and next thing I know I'm playing way off from what the lead is supposed to sound like. What I'm trying to do is practice through this and not beat myself up about it.

I think I'll try that scale thing, sounds like that lets you practice cross picking right away instead of trying to come up with a song to play that has all the right moves, plus as you say it warms you up.